Babysitter Wants to Spend the Night

Most Read

Your sister-in-law (and your kids' favorite aunt) often offers to baby-sit for free when you tell her you'd like to go out on a Saturday night. But she always tacks on a condition: spending the night (even though she lives 10 minutes away). You'd love a night out, but this requires you to serve as hostess the next day -- when you'd rather enjoy a day of leisure. What to do the next time she offers?

1) Bite the bullet and accept her kind offer, including the condition she stay the night.
2) Turn her down and hire an outside sitter.
3) Tell her you've got plans on Sunday, so you'll have to decline the offer.

The Correct answer: (1) How often do you get out with your husband? If you're like most moms I know, not often enough! Sure, your sister-in-law's desire to spend the night may cramp your style on Sunday, but you'll save a few bucks by not having to hire a babysitter and your children get a chance to enjoy time with their favorite aunt.